Cancer, UV, tanning and sunscreens…
For years we have all been told that UV light causes cancer. Since the majority of our UV exposure comes from sunlight, we have constantly been told over the years to wear sunscreen. Sounds like pretty good idea right? Simply put on some lotion and go enjoy your time in the sun worry free. This idea is starting to come apart, new reports are showing that the use of sunscreens may actually accelerate or increase your risks of cancer. These increases are due to the chemicals commonly used in making sunscreen. It is also interesting to learn that the forms of vitamin A that many companies include in their lotions as “antioxidants” break down in the presence of UV light and actually become carcinogenic themselves.
Besides the potential for your sunscreen actually cause or accelerate skin damage, there are two other major drawbacks.
First is the fact that screening out UV(UVA and UVB) light dramatically reduces your production of vitamin D. The body is made to rely on sunlight and its UV light as a major source of this vitamin. Vitamin D is commonly accepted to assist in strengthening bones and the immune functions, but many people attribute many more health benefits to this vitamin such as reducing the risk of certain cancers and maintaining sound mental and emotional health. There are vitamin D supplements, but many cannot agree on the type and amount that the body would need to properly compensate for a near total lack of natural vitamin D production.
The second major drawback to sunscreens might at first seem cosmetic; sunscreens keep the body from forming a natural tan. But tanning is the skins natural way to defend against the harmful effects of UV exposure. Without letting the body form a natural tan, you keep requiring the repeated use of sunscreens to defend against the burning effects of the sun.
For more information on the harmful effects of sunscreens we suggest reading:
Sunscreens Exposed: 9 surprising truths
Study: Many Sunscreens May Be Accelerating Cancer
Well, nowadays many western countries using tanning procedure. It’s such a great alternative to damaging your skin under the sun.